Mike Caruso, the state representative for Florida’s District 87, has expressed concerns over HB 1181, suggesting it favors trial attorneys over Floridians. He claims that a former Democrat’s influence is steering the Insurance & Banking Subcommittee away from Republican priorities.
“On Thursday, in committee, I heard HB 1181 regarding auto insurance. In response, I said this in debate: “This bill is good for trial attorneys but bad for Floridians,” said Caruso, State Representative (FL-87, Palm Beach County). “Maybe instead of Insurance & Banking, we should call it the subcommittee on Insurance and Trial Attorneys. Read JoltTracey article for all the details and how a former Democrat has taken over the Florida legislature. Floridians deserve to know the truth.”
State Representative Hillary Cassel’s recent political shift from Democrat to Republican in late 2024 has sparked controversy. According to reports, Cassel’s alignment with the trial attorney lobby and her success in securing $29 million for her district in the 2025 House budget have raised questions about favoritism. As Vice Chair of the Insurance & Banking Subcommittee, she is promoting legislation like HB 1551, which aims to reverse tort reform and benefit trial lawyers.
InsuranceBusiness.com reported that a Florida House panel advanced HB 1551, introduced by Cassel. The bill would allow policyholders to recover attorney fees if they win lawsuits against insurers, partially reversing reforms from previous years. While industry advocates warn of potential destabilization of Florida’s insurance market, supporters argue it restores fairness in disputes with insurers. Speaker Daniel Perez has shown support for consumer-focused reforms.
On February 5, Governor Ron DeSantis issued a press release highlighting improvements in Florida’s insurance market. Major auto insurers such as GEICO, Progressive, and State Farm have filed for rate reductions. Citizens Property Insurance is also reducing premiums statewide. Over two years, new companies have entered the market, enhancing competition and stability.
Florida Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky noted achievements by the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) in a January press release. Yaworsky attributed improvements in the insurance industry to reforms championed by Governor DeSantis. The OIR has focused on stabilizing the property insurance market and strengthening health insurance sectors.
Caruso is a CPA and entrepreneur with extensive experience in business administration and accounting. He founded his own firm in Palm Beach County and has been actively involved in community service within District 89.
